Todd White has been there —– Davis Petty is on the way there — and now Spartanburg Day School is there

Where?

At the top of SCISA Class 3A,

By Stan Olenik. Editor-Publisher, Te Golf Club.

When White made the move from coaching Spartanburg High School to Spartanburg Day, he brought with him the unquestioned qualities of a winner. A two-time state amateur champion, his playing career grew to include victories in the U.S. Senior Amateur and the British Senior Amateur, along with a place in the South Carolina Golf Association Hall of Fame.

Petty’s path has been different, but just as well known. First noticed as a nine-year-old taking on older players at The Creek Golf Club, he went on to win national titles on the sub-junior level across the country.

Together, they joined a talented—but at times still developing—group of young golfers looking for direction.

When White arrived as head coach and Petty transferred in for his freshman year, they brought with them a level of experience and confidence that settled in over the course of the season. It wasn’t about changing everything—it was about reinforcing what was already in place.

White gave them direction.

“Instead of focusing on the outcome, let’s focus on the process we have to go through to achieve what we want,” White said. “They bought into what we’re trying to do with the program—doing it the right way. The way they conduct themselves on the golf course, the way they manage their emotions, not only from an etiquette side, but also to maintain composure to help their game.”

Petty provided the presence.

A proven performer on big stages, the freshman gave Spartanburg Day a consistent force at the top of the lineup, allowing the rest of the team to develop at its own pace, knowing they had both a leader and a backstop.

Petty has often said his goal is to become the best player in the state. That takes talent—but just as importantly, it takes commitment. That mindset spread through the rest of the lineup.

When Petty claimed medalist honors at the early-season Parks Hutto Bengal, the new addition cemented his role with the team.

One player can win an individual state championship—as Petty did with rounds of 69 and 66 for a 9-under-par 135—but when the players finishing right behind him are teammates, the result is something bigger.

It’s a team championship.

Kingston Linder shared second place with teammate Matthew Coff, and long before the final scores were turned in at the Hackler Course, Linder believed the outcome was already clear.

“We had a lot of player development over the last year, a lot of growth from our returning team, and obviously Davis coming in was a big key to the success we had this year,” he said.

For a group that has grown up together playing junior golf in Spartanburg, Petty’s arrival wasn’t seen as an interruption—but as an extension.

“We’ve all been friends for 10-plus years playing golf together,” said A.K. Milner. “So when we got together on the same team, it just worked out great, and the year has been a lot of fun.”

For Petty, the transition—from Spartanburg High to Spartanburg Day, from familiar routines to new surroundings—was seamless.

“I’ve thought it’s been definitely a good change,” he said. “I’ve loved every second of being with this team, and I think we have a lot of room to grow. We’ve got the next four years, and hopefully more wins ahead.”

While much of the roster is young, both ends of the lineup played key roles in the title run.

Senior Matthew Roff, who tied for second with Linder, left with only one regret.

“With as much fun as we’ve had this year, I almost wish I could come back,” Roff said. “It’s been a great year and a great way to finish my high school golf.”

At the other end, eighth-grader Reid contributed a first-round 77 to the team score and sees more ahead.

“I can’t pick out just one thing that made the year special,” he said. “It was the whole season, and I’m looking forward to many more.”

With White’s coaching, Petty’s ability, and a lineup that produced throughout, it’s easy to see how Spartanburg Day believes it may have broken the hold programs like Hilton Head Prep have had on SCISA 3A golf.

“When they hired me, they gave me the title of head of the golf program,” White said. “But those kids are the heartbeat, because they’re the ones who make it go. I want us to enjoy this win for what it is—but it can also be the start of something very special here at Spartanburg Day.”

White has been there.

Petty is on his way.

And now, Spartanburg Day School is there..

The Golf Club covers high school golf and there will be plenty to cover over the next month. Get all the latest news sent to your email.